'Ham-Burglar' Jumps Into River In Attempt To Escape Arrest

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CONNELLSVILLE (KDKA) -- A man who police know as the "ham-burglar" had to be rescued after his arrest Saturday when he tried to make a break for it by jumping into a river.

Shawn Prince, 21, gave everyone, including himself, quite a scare Saturday morning after reportedly jumping in the Youghiogheny River.

He was trying to get away from police, who had handcuffed Prince for bench warrants out against him.

The young man is known to police in Fayette and Westmoreland counties as "the ham-burglar." Last April, authorities nabbed him on camera stealing $450 worth of hams from the Shop 'n Save in Youngwood.

Right next to the busy railyard Saturday, Prince's capture became a rescue after his attempted escape into the river.

Fayette County EMS and the New Haven Fire Department, who have a river rescue, were both called in.

Crews threw him a rope and pulled him out.

Prince was airlifted to a Pittsburgh hospital for hypothermia. He now faces further charges for Saturday's incident.

After Prince was treated and released from the hospital, he was taken to the Fayette County Prison.